June 30 Echoes of Eternity
Being found in fashion as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
Philippians 2:8
Dear to My heart are those who will follow Me in My humiliation. The world can still recognize goodness and self-denial, even though it loves evil and self-assertion. Those who will put down the secret longing to be lifted up in the eyes of others enter into a secret place where I love to abide. The desire for recognition and appreciation still lives in your heart. I will aid you in mercy as you are willing to receive My aid, in putting this deadly desire to death. It can be done—and will be done if you are willing. Remember, the desire holds you back from Me. What folly, My child, to linger there when I hold out such a prize for you!

June 29 Echoes of Eternity
Brethren, I count not myself to have apprehended: but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 3:13,14
This relationship of love has far to go. The distance is still there on your side. I draw near, but you recoil—still unwilling to risk all for the pearl of great price. I see you playing with the toys of jealousy, vanity, place, and pride. It grieves Me that you have learned so little and are still bound to the old feelings, nursing hurts and slights and being obnoxious withal. I have set you aside in many ways, to aid you in this process and show you the better way. As long as you hold on to your desire to “be somebody,” you will suffer the inevitable consequences and miss My best for you. Come to Me, My child, and do not draw back. Let Me show My saving, healing power in the likes of you. You have nothing to lose but your pain.

June 28 Echoes of Eternity
And on the Sabbath we went out of the city by a riverside, where prayer was wont to be made.
Acts 16:13
My dear child, I am nearer than you think, more present to your mind and heart than you know. Your longings for unity and harmony are the fruit of My implant ing. Let them encourage you to reach out in prayer for others, for prayers do make a difference. The world could be very different if My people had learned to pray. Your world and the world of those you love will be affected by your faithfulness or lack of faithfulness in prayer. The yearning you feel for “connectedness”
is but a drawing of My Spirit toward the unity of spirit and harmony of heart which I will for My people. The place of prayer is a trysting place of the Spirit.

Hot Chicken Salad Sandwich

3 cups cooked chicken or turkey, cut into large chunks
2 teaspoons onion, grated
2 cups celery, diced
1 cup slivered almonds
2 cups seedless green grapes
2 (6 ounce) cans water chestnuts, drained and chopped
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup wine
1/8 teaspoon pepper
Favorite cheese if desired

Combine chicken, onion, celery, almonds, grapes, water chestnuts. Mix mayonnaise, wine, salt and pepper; toss with chicken mixture. Spread chicken salad on bread, top with a layer of your favorite cheese and melt under a broiler.

June 27 Echoes of Eternity
Thou wilt show me the path of life; in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures evermore.
Psalm 16:11
I am your soul’s delight. In My presence is fullness of joy. I give you, My child, a foretaste of heaven’s pleasure when your heart floods with joy and thanksgiving. The road before you is purposely obscure. You do not need the burden of knowing the details. Grace
abounds in each hard place, and I am with you in all you face. Keep your eyes on the goal—to finish the race and win the crown. The crown is for all who are faithful, not just a few. Keep listening to Me. That is important. You still have far to go to maintain a listening
attitude. Your mind is still too cluttered with opinions and self-will. This is a training process I have brought you to. Be faithful and the fruit of it will be good. Delight in Me. My goodness is ever before you and never runs out.

June 27 Echoes of Eternity
Thou wilt show me the path of life; in Thy presence is fullness of joy; at Thy right hand there are pleasures evermore.
Psalm 16:11
I am your soul’s delight. In My presence is fullness of joy. I give you, My child, a foretaste of heaven’s pleasure when your heart floods with joy and thanksgiving. The road before you is purposely obscure. You do not need the burden of knowing the details. Grace
abounds in each hard place, and I am with you in all you face. Keep your eyes on the goal—to finish the race and win the crown. The crown is for all who are faithful, not just a few. Keep listening to Me. That is important. You still have far to go to maintain a listening
attitude. Your mind is still too cluttered with opinions and self-will. This is a training process I have brought you to. Be faithful and the fruit of it will be good. Delight in Me. My goodness is ever before you and never runs out.

By Sr. Nun Other

During the recent singing of Vespers Festival Psalms, I was captured by a phrase contained in Psalm 110, verse 3: from the womb of the dawn. It spoke of hope, opportunity, forgiveness and re-birth, available with each new day. As the sun embraces the earth with light and warmth, our heavenly father extends his arms, inviting us to enter into life wholeheartedly and with great expectation.

Photographer Sr. Huai-Kuang Miao

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June 26 Echoes of Eternity
Let us therefore cast off the works of darkness, and let us put on the
armor of light. Romans 13:12
As the light brings life to the earth, so My light brings life to your
soul. My light banishes the darkness of hidden sin, the darkness of
evil thoughts, the breeding places of soul-sickness and death.
Put away the works of darkness and choose the light-filled way.
Let My sun drive out your dark and dank swamps of thought and
feeling. Remember, My child, I am the Light of the world. Those
who follow Me shall not walk in darkness but have the light of life.
Leave the darkness—flee from it and hasten to Me.

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June 25 Echoes of Eternity
The Lord seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward
appearance, but the Lord looketh on the heart. I Samuel 16:7

I know your heart better than you know it. I am acquainted with all its foibles and failings. I know its dark corners and its supreme concentration on itself. Yet I do not despise your cries and groans for greater stability and light. I have come to aid—to save—not to condemn. I am doing a work within, and you have My solemn, sovereign word: I will complete it. All I ask of you is that you continue to be open to Me, and follow through in obedience to My word. It shall be well with you, that I may be glorified.

By Renaissance Girl

Four times a week I feed the fish in the Koi pond near the church.  It’s an enclosed space – literally inside the walls – and I’ve started looking forward to those moments of quiet, me and the fish and the sound of water trickling and wind through the bamboo. Sometimes I laugh as they tussle over first dibs on their food. Sometimes I barely want to breathe so as not to disturb the silence. But I always smile when they see me coming and rush to the side of the pond, mouths gaping. So eager and dependent and just themselves.

Sometimes I’m surprised by the things that start out as “duties” and end up being gifts. I just have to allow my perspective to be changed.

.

June 24 Echoes of Eternity
The Lord did not set his love upon you, nor choose you, because you were more in number than any people; for ye were the fewest of all people: But because the Lord loved you. Deuteronomy 7:7,8

My dear child, My love for you is sovereign and unchangeable.
Your love for Me is fickle and erratic. Nevertheless, I tell you, My love
is the firm foundation on which all your hope is founded—not your
emotions or lack of them. Of My grace I give you to experience the feeling of love—the love My Spirit has shed abroad in your heart. But even when you feel arid and listless, My unchanging love is toward you.I would have you grow in love and stability against the faithless
fear that mars our relationship. You need much healing and deliverance there. It affects your relationships with others—not just with Me. I know your frame. I remember whence you came. I do not despise your beginnings nor reject you for your sins. My love is unchangeable. Let your love build on that.

June 23 Echoes of Eternity
And it shall come to pass, that like as I have watched over them, to pluck up, and to break down, and to throw down, and to destroy, and to afflict; so will I watch over them, to build, and to plant, saith the Lord. Jeremiah 31:28
Yes, you need Me. I am your life, your breath, and you are sustained
every moment by My power and My will. Not a sparrow falls without My permission. The world seems to be “out of control.” But I have set limits on its freedom, and I keep faithful watch over My own. Yes, the world lies “in the power of the evil one”—through the disobedience and rebellion of My children. The way is still narrow that leads to life, and few there still are who find and follow it. Your little world is a small one, but My Spirit within is ever pushing out the borders to make room for My loving concern to live in you. Let this happen. Let pride and prejudice fall away, and see the beauty and joy of allowing My love to reign where your pettiness and self-righteousness ruled and crippled. Yes, My child, you need Me. I am your life, and will be your greater life—if you will.

By Cantor

The Role of the Chant Director 

As promised, here is another excerpt from the book Gregorian Chant by Father Andrew F. Klarmann. Why choose this particular passage? We have often spoken of the function and life of a Schola. But we have never really pondered together the role of the Schola director. Here are but a few of Father Klarmann’s thoughts:

“The director should not lay too much emphasis on the grace of the chironomy. At the final performance, it is the director’s duty to start his singers together, to keep them together throughout, and to bring them to the finish together. Any other instructions should be given them prior to their appearance and should be practiced during rehearsals. Furthermore, some directors execute the most graceful chironomy while the minds of the choir members wander and their eyes are fixed on some foreign object. Other directors need only to chironomize in a calm and unobtrusive fashion: the rendition is good because they have the attention of their choir. Whatever signs of direction are used, they are good if they are understood by the choir. An attentive, well-schooled choir needs very few of them.”

How aptly and succinctly stated! Our role as a Schola Director is one of education and guidance. Let’s take this to heart as we prepare for our next rehearsal!

By Gourmet Nun

It’s strawberry time, and our strawberry patch has been producing tub after tub of beautiful berries every morning . . . a delight to look at, let alone to eat. Of course, no strawberry dessert will ever top old fashioned strawberry shortcake, in my opinion, but if you’d like to try a creation that runs it a close second, these strawberry napoleons are simple to make and delicious to eat.

Strawberry Napoleons

1 sheet (half of a 17-ounce package) frozen puff pastry
1 (3.4 ounce) package instant vanilla pudding mix
1 cup milk
1 1/2  teaspoons almond extract or amaretto to taste
1 cup heavy cream
Powdered sugar to taste
2 cups stemmed and sliced strawberries
1/3 cup sliced almonds, toasted (optional)
Powdered sugar, for garnish

Directions: Heat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Thaw folded pastry sheet for 20 minutes. Open sheet and cut along folds to make three equal strips; halve each strip to make six rectangles. Space apart on baking sheet. Bake in center of oven about 15 minutes until well browned and baked through. Remove to rack to cool.

Meanwhile, in a mixing bowl, whip heavy cream and powdered sugar together until cream is stiff. Set aside.

In another bowl, whisk pudding mix, milk, and extract together for 2 minutes; fold in whipped cream and blend thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate.

Carefully split each piece of pastry in half horizontally. Cover bottom halves with almonds, then pudding mixture and sliced strawberries, dividing equally. Cover with pastry tops. Dust with powdered sugar.

*You could double the pudding mixture and use both sheets of puff pastry for more Napoleons. I ended up using all of my puff pastry to be able to have additional layers for each Napoleon.

This recipe makes 3 servings.

June 20 Echoes of Eternity
If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask Him? Matthew 7:11

My heart is a free and ever-flowing heart of generous love. I take
pleasure in doing good for My children. Beyond mere perfunctory
gratitude for My gifts, I seek a relationship of unshakable trust in
My goodness. I seek hearts that come to rest in My unfailing goodness. Those hearts cannot be shaken from their sure foundation by any change of circumstances. Circumstances do and must change, but My goodness changes not. This, My child, is what all My blessings and provisions are meant to effect—your unshakable faith in My unchanging goodness.

By Sr. Nun Other

I’m rethinking my personal definition of times of plenty. It isn’t about having, getting, or owning.  It isn’t about money or the best of anything. It’s about the presence of God’s love, protection and care.

I’m enjoying a time of plenty and here’s some practical evidence: recently, along with two more sisters (and the generosity of others), I went to Fenway Park. It was a perfect game day, blue skies and a comfortable seventy-one degrees. Our drive to Boston was uneventful until we searched for a parking place. I’m not good in traffic. I sit in the back by popular demand and have to ask the driver permission to speak. “Do you want me to tell you that you almost hit a pole?” That sort of thing. We pulled from bumper to bumper traffic into a lot. The attendant quoted a price ten dollars higher than anticipated and announced they only took credit cards. As sisters, we don’t carry them. Except this time . . Enter God’s love . .  one of us had a VISA Gift Card she’d been given for her birthday. That worked. Next we went to dinner and ordered specialty burgers. I specified that I didn’t want the caramelized onions. When our orders arrived, I immediately noted onions among my mushrooms and Boursin cheese. The waiter noticed also and offered me a new burger. I thanked him but said I’d just pick them out, no problem. When he brought the bill, he told us my dinner was free. We recouped the extra $10 for parking. The game included amazing defensive plays, outstanding pitching and a Red Sox win, more rare this season than last.

Perhaps these sound like small things. Perhaps they are. But right now, for whatever reason, I’m especially cognizant of God’s presence in my life. Work problems, strained relationships, things simply beyond my ability to control rest in his hands. When I admit my need and recognize my complete inadequacy, I grow in faith and trust.

June 19 Echoes of Eternity
Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honor and power; for thou hast created all things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created. Revelation 4:11

You are held in the Hand that holds the world. You are kept by
the Power that rules the universe. I have said, “None can pluck you
from My hand.” It is not your feelings that keep you. It is not even
your faith—for I know that waxes and wanes quickly under differing
circumstances. No, it is My hand that holds you, My child, and
protects you when you are least aware of it.
When your eyes are open and you are able to see this reality, give
thanks and offer praise. When you cannot see or feel the reality, still give thanks and offer praise. That is an act of faith with which I am pleased. And by the exercise of your faith, it will grow stronger and steadier.

By Melodious Monk

It’s funny, at Eucharist, how sometimes Latin words pop out at me at the least expected times. This morning, as I was somewhat mindlessly singing the Introit Proper, I was suddenly engaged by 2 words: Quem Timebo? Latin for “Whom shall I fear? ” I quickly read the English translation of the psalm verse to get the context of this question. It reads: “The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” The verse is stated in two halves. The first as a solid, indisputable fact, and the second as a known rhetorical question. This is a powerful sentence, full of hope, nobility and confidence. But as my day starts to move through morning into the afternoon, I can feel the question mark in the sentence switching from the second half to the first. With the slightest discomfort, will-crossing or negative thought, I start believing a new question: Is the Lord my light and my salvation? Now I have a choice for the next part of my day: will I choose to believe that the Lord is my light and salvation (without a question mark!), moving on boldly without fear, or will I choose to start questioning this psalm verse, and turning my back on God? Only if we choose the latter is there reason to fear.

An article challenging churches to discover the rich benefits of Gregorian Chant, naming helpful and beautiful resources available from Paraclete Press.

Chiming in on the Church’s Changeless Chant Challenge
catholiclane.com
Normally I attend a parish that has excellent music—the best in town, actually. However, last Christmas Eve I ended up at a Mass that included a strange m

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June 17 Echoes of Eternity
Who can utter the mighty acts of the Lord? Who can show forth all His praise? Psalm 106:2
Praise My infinite compassion which I have freely bestowed on
you. Praise befits the upright. Praise lifts up the spirit. Praise builds up faith. Praise defeats the enemy’s stratagems. Praise joins your prayer to heaven, where My saints are already united in unending praise. Earth’s sorrows are but the backdrop against which the glory of My compassion shines. They cannot dim that glory in the heart that is filled with praise. Praise is a weapon too little appreciated and too little used by My people. I have given it as a gift and have long instructed that it be used. There are no obstacles that cannot be overcome.
But My ways are not the ways of the world. Worldly wisdom
will fail. But praise—true praise and persistent praise in the face of
darkness—will prevail.

Dissolve the yeast in some water with a pinch of sugar and let sit for approximately 5 minutes to proof.

Add milk, sugar, 1/2 cup melted butter, salt and eggs. Mix well. Add flour as needed and mix well. Blend at medium-low speed for about 5-10 minutes, scraping down sides of the bowl once or twice. Cover bowl with plastic wrap; let rise in bowl about 1 hour or till doubled.

Remove the plastic wrap and turn mixer on low to “punch down” the dough; if you wish, you can let the dough rise a second time as it makes for a more flavorful roll. Remove the dough from the bowl and divide into 36 rolls. The dough will be very sticky.

Place rolls, edges just touching, in a buttered 9″x13″ or 9″ round pan. Cover pan with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled, about 30-40 minutes. Brush with reserved butter before baking or an egg wash.

Bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit convection oven or 350 degrees Fahrenheit conventional oven until golden.

Dissolve the yeast in some water with a pinch of sugar and let sit for approximately 5 minutes to proof.

Add milk, sugar, 1/2 cup melted butter, salt and eggs. Mix well. Add flour as needed and mix well. Blend at medium-low speed for about 5-10 minutes, scraping down sides of the bowl once or twice. Cover bowl with plastic wrap; let rise in bowl about 1 hour or till doubled.

Remove the plastic wrap and turn mixer on low to “punch down” the dough; if you wish, you can let the dough rise a second time as it makes for a more flavorful roll. Remove the dough from the bowl and divide into 36 rolls. The dough will be very sticky.

Place rolls, edges just touching, in a buttered 9″x13″ or 9″ round pan. Cover pan with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled, about 30-40 minutes. Brush with reserved butter before baking or an egg wash.

Bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit convection oven or 350 degrees Fahrenheit conventional oven until golden.

Dissolve the yeast in some water with a pinch of sugar and let sit for approximately 5 minutes to proof.

Add milk, sugar, 1/2 cup melted butter, salt and eggs. Mix well. Add flour as needed and mix well. Blend at medium-low speed for about 5-10 minutes, scraping down sides of the bowl once or twice. Cover bowl with plastic wrap; let rise in bowl about 1 hour or till doubled.

Remove the plastic wrap and turn mixer on low to “punch down” the dough; if you wish, you can let the dough rise a second time as it makes for a more flavorful roll. Remove the dough from the bowl and divide into 36 rolls. The dough will be very sticky.

Place rolls, edges just touching, in a buttered 9″x13″ or 9″ round pan. Cover pan with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled, about 30-40 minutes. Brush with reserved butter before baking or an egg wash.

Bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit convection oven or 350 degrees Fahrenheit conventional oven until golden.

Dissolve the yeast in some water with a pinch of sugar and let sit for approximately 5 minutes to proof.

Add milk, sugar, 1/2 cup melted butter, salt and eggs. Mix well. Add flour as needed and mix well. Blend at medium-low speed for about 5-10 minutes, scraping down sides of the bowl once or twice. Cover bowl with plastic wrap; let rise in bowl about 1 hour or till doubled.

Remove the plastic wrap and turn mixer on low to “punch down” the dough; if you wish, you can let the dough rise a second time as it makes for a more flavorful roll. Remove the dough from the bowl and divide into 36 rolls. The dough will be very sticky.

Place rolls, edges just touching, in a buttered 9″x13″ or 9″ round pan. Cover pan with plastic wrap and let rise until doubled, about 30-40 minutes. Brush with reserved butter before baking or an egg wash.

Bake at 300 degrees Fahrenheit convection oven or 350 degrees Fahrenheit conventional oven until golden.

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June 13 Echoes of Eternity
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. I Corinthians 2:10

I know your thoughts. Before you speak them, they are altogether
known of Me. My Spirit searches the inner self (the inner man) and
sees all. Your distractions, My child, are the fruit of your unfocused
heart. You do not yet “will one thing” but try to fit many “goals”
into your heart. It will not work. No rival can be allowed in the
bride’s heart if she is to welcome the Bridegroom. Your soul must be “centrified” in Me if you would taste the fullness of My blessing. I have given you a measure of stability—in spite of this unfocused condition. That is My grace. But I ask you to take much more seriously your need to “will one thing”—My will.

By Sr. Nun Other

Paraclete author Rabbi Sandy Sasso interviewed on Finding Meaning Through Midrash:

Finding Meaning Through Midrash – Celebrate – JWM
jwi.org
The Bible is one of the world’s bestselling books, with so many million copies purchased or distributed it’s impossible to even guess at the tally. But whether people read or understand the Bible, is a completely different matter.“The Bible can be a window into our own lives,” says Rabbi Sandy Eisen…

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June 11 Echoes of Eternity
But I trust in thee, O Lord; I say, Thou art my God. My times are in
Thy hand. Psalm 31:14,15 (rsv)

I am the Lord in whose Hand are all the future years. Whatever
disappointment or delay I allow to come into your plans and hopes,
know of very truth that My way is best. I lead you along rough paths and smooth, green valleys and rugged mountains. I lead you toward the homeland I have prepared for you. The disappointments and sorrows are temporary, and they have their place in your pilgrimage. They wean you from false goals and steer you from wrong paths. Be not dismayed at bad tidings, for My eye is upon you and I will not leave nor forsake you.

By Renaissance Girl

I stood behind the camera this past Sunday morning – Pentecost. The day could not have been more beautiful, the best of Cape Cod. The church was decked in red, columns wrapped, darts of fabric from place to place, red banners the length of the facade. And we were decked in red, our scapulars pulling out the color of geraniums in the flower boxes. The sun glinted off the processional cross and curls of incense floated up out of the gently swinging thurible, adding a sense of mystery to the brightness.

The words of the Pentecost story echoed off the stone in the atrium and the tower bells rang out and mingled with the rush of the fountain as the narration announced the arrival of tongues of fire!

Behind the lens, I could zoom in and witness the sunlight glistening on drops of water as the fountain burst up – or the intent expression of the thurifer leading the procession, or the looks of expectancy as the doors swung open to enter the church.

The Church – born that day – and thriving still – many members of one body. Our celebration is just a sliver of what that day must have been like – when God let loose his Spirit on earth – a living memory. As Pope Francis said on this feast day, “It is the Holy Spirit that leads us down this road, the road of the living memory of the Church….and the more generous our response, the more Jesus’ words become life in us, become attitudes, choices, deeds, witness. In substance, the Holy Spirit reminds us of the commandment of love and calls us to live it.”

June 10 Echoes of Eternity
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for My strength is made perfect in weakness. II Corinthians 12:9

My strength is made perfect in weakness. This is an eternal truth,
and you must learn what it means. I am mindful of your weakness,
and your life is in My keeping. The days of your life are numbered— known to Me alone. You have seen that I am the repairer of ruins, the builder up of waste places. You do not have to understand “why” nor “how” this happens. What I call you to do is to rejoice in My works, to see and greet them for what they are.
Greater works are yet to unfold. My blessings are not running
out, but they are for those who enter the secret place of My dwelling. Enter with Me every day. Guard the sacrifice as Abraham did of old. Be faithful to the end, and I will give you the crown of life.

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June 9 Echoes of Eternity
To the praise of the glory of His grace, where He hath made us accepted in the Beloved. Ephesians 1:6

My works are mercy. My paths are peace. Your mind is still full
of turbulence, because you still long for a false peace. The peace I give is not dependent on the favor or goodwill of others, and you must let go your demand that “they think well of you.” For that demand has its own pain and sickness embedded in it.
I call you to My peace—a peace that passes understanding, a
peace free from your life-long striving to be accepted by others. Know, My child, that I have accepted you and loved you with an everlasting love. You have not yet accepted My acceptance—and thereby have robbed yourself of much inner rest. Let them rest who hate you. It is not important that others love you. Blessings abound in the path I have chosen for you. My paths are peace, and My works are mercy.

June 6 Echoes of Eternity
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you. Matthew 5:44

Doubt not that My hand is here. Let no clouds sully the purpose
for which I have brought you here. Many souls have been wounded— not yours alone. My mercy and grace are wider than you can know or imagine. The healing streams from My heart will pour forth for those who will receive them. You do not have to worry about that. Only do not doubt—do not delay to be open to what I am doing. Do not miss the blessing I have prepared for you. Remember, my child, these words of Mine: “Pray for those who hate you and for those who despitefully use you.” That prayer will protect you from many assaults of your adversary.

June 6 Echoes of Eternity
But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you. Matthew 5:44

Doubt not that My hand is here. Let no clouds sully the purpose
for which I have brought you here. Many souls have been wounded— not yours alone. My mercy and grace are wider than you can know or imagine. The healing streams from My heart will pour forth for those who will receive them. You do not have to worry about that. Only do not doubt—do not delay to be open to what I am doing. Do not miss the blessing I have prepared for you. Remember, my child, these words of Mine: “Pray for those who hate you and for those who despitefully use you.” That prayer will protect you from many assaults of your adversary.

By Sr. Nun Other

There’s a saying can’t see the forest for the trees. I find myself often in that state, surrounded by God’s love and unable to recognize it. Sometimes it doesn’t fit my mold of what love looks like, and sometimes events are shrouded in personal negativity. Yesterday, a sister approached me and said, “I heard you had some good news today.” My reply? “Well, actually, it was bad news that turned out less bad than I thought it would be.” We both laughed, but honestly, how’s that for short-lived gratitude?!

Here are some facts about a forest. It’s a highly complex, ever changing environment made up of a variety of living things (wildlife, trees, wildflowers, lichens, ferns and mosses). It’s also made up of elements like water, rocks, sunlight and air. The trees buffer the earth and underpin countless life forms. They help create an environment to support the kinds of animals and plants that exist in the forest. This is a perfect definition of God’s care for his creation. When I struggle and sometimes suffer, I need eyes to see and a heart to comprehend the complexity of my need and the answer of a loving God.

Thinking about Jack Levison, author of FRESH AIR, right now. And praying for everyone at Seattle Pacific U!

Thinking about Jack Levison, author of FRESH AIR, right now. And praying for everyone at Seattle Pacific U!

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June 5 Echoes of Eternity
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; . . . for Thou art my praise.
Jeremiah 17:14

Praise My goodness, My child, in all things. The pain which I
allow in your life, as well as the pleasure, is filled with My goodness. By praising My goodness, you extract the sweetness known only to those who love Me.
I have called you to be an instrument of praise. Most of My
world is still full of bitterness and complaint. My goodness is ignored or rationalized, and people pass away without claiming the hidden blessing. I call forth instruments of praise. These are souls who can hear and begin to recognize the truth—a truth so magnificent, so full of grace, that people find it hard to believe.
Praise opens the heart to receive the truth of My goodness. It
is not by reasoning, argument or logic—but by praise that this
truth will build the temple for My dwelling in your heart. Praise
My goodness, My child, in all things.

June 5 Echoes of Eternity
Heal me, O Lord, and I shall be healed; . . . for Thou art my praise.
Jeremiah 17:14

Praise My goodness, My child, in all things. The pain which I
allow in your life, as well as the pleasure, is filled with My goodness. By praising My goodness, you extract the sweetness known only to those who love Me.
I have called you to be an instrument of praise. Most of My
world is still full of bitterness and complaint. My goodness is ignored or rationalized, and people pass away without claiming the hidden blessing. I call forth instruments of praise. These are souls who can hear and begin to recognize the truth—a truth so magnificent, so full of grace, that people find it hard to believe.
Praise opens the heart to receive the truth of My goodness. It
is not by reasoning, argument or logic—but by praise that this
truth will build the temple for My dwelling in your heart. Praise
My goodness, My child, in all things.

By Melodious Monk

I found this meditation inspiring and full of vision for the potential of life with God.

The theological truths about providence and guidance, about the ever-presence of God, and about his merciful indwelling in us must become concrete, lived possessions. Then we will succeed in living through the experiences and events of workdays and holidays, of bright hours and dark hours, right up to that central point at which God reveals himself as their deepest meaning. The secret, holy cargo entrusted to these events we are living through consists of his questions, his guidance, his leadership, his punishment, his judgment, his consolation, and help. 

Temples of God are located not only where churches are still standing. Rather, let the great temple arches stretch and raise themselves up wherever the human heart worships, wherever the knee bends, wherever the spirit opens itself, and where man’s highest potential is fulfilled by those who worship and love.    

The life of God is lived within us, within the deepest center of our being. Man becomes truly himself precisely at the point where he recognizes that the highest and brightest Being dwells within him. Moreover, he will rediscover himself and his own identity, as well as his faith in his own individual value, mission, and life options, to the degree that he comprehends human life as streaming forth out of the mystery of God. Then all that is negative and threatening is surmounted, its futility is exposed from within and simultaneously disempowered.

     -Father Alfred Delp, S. J.

The biggest question I always find myself asking God is “Why?”  Why is this or that happening, why, why, why? I’m always looking, rather un-patiently, for God to change some parts of my life. And if you are like me, with anything I bring to God I’m usually looking for a big, clear, dramatic (and swift) change! In my haste, I run rampant over the little secret joys the Holy Spirit tries to teach me each day. I think Father Delp has written out a vision, and a possible road map for how our lives can mysteriously be lived out to their best and most satisfying fulfillment.

June 3 Echoes of Eternity
For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust. Psalm 103:14
“Dust thou art and to dust shalt thou return” was spoken only of the physical flesh—the grain of wheat that must fall into the ground. The physical world is passing away and is destined to decay. But My kingdom, My realm is of another kind. Your glimpses of it are meant to reassure you and yes, lure you away from this passing-away world. Cling not to the world, My child. Let it fall away in My providential plan, and reach forth to grasp the eternal that will never fail. There is
no sorrow in the loss if your heart sees and seeks the better part.

June 2 Echoes of Eternity
Have I been so long a time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me? John 14:9
Little faith is better than no faith. Little faith in Me is better than great faith in yourself. I do not despise your little faith, but I do mean for it to grow. You have been in this way too long to be content with such a small and shriveled faith. I deserve better! I have not asked you for great human strength and courage. I know your frame and your fearful nature. But I have given you plenty of “faith material” with which to grow a robust faith. Where is the harvest, My child? Where?

June 2 Echoes of Eternity
Have I been so long a time with you, and yet hast thou not known Me? John 14:9
Little faith is better than no faith. Little faith in Me is better than great faith in yourself. I do not despise your little faith, but I do mean for it to grow. You have been in this way too long to be content with such a small and shriveled faith. I deserve better! I have not asked you for great human strength and courage. I know your frame and your fearful nature. But I have given you plenty of “faith material” with which to grow a robust faith. Where is the harvest, My child? Where?

By Cantor

So Much Color!

We find ourselves today in a “liturgical waiting period” between the Feast of the Ascension and the Feast of Pentecost. The chants for both of these feasts always strike me with the extraordinary musical coloring of their respective texts!

Have any of you ever played the game where you stand and look up into the sky, and wait for others to stop and see what it is you are looking at? Well, the chants for Ascension do exactly this with each of us! For example, look at the opening of the Introit for Ascension – Viri Galilaei (O Men of Galilee) – in which angels ask the disciples why they are looking up. Instantly, your eyes will be led in an upward direction as will your voice, chanting from the bottom to the top of the mode on just the first two words!

The chants for Pentecost are equally descriptive but in a rather more “fiery” way. The Communion antiphon for Pentecost – Factus est repente (A mighty sound from Heaven) – opens with a dramatic horn-call motive that gives an almost operatic quality to the opening words.

These are but two examples of the incredible ways which the sound of the chant is really the “sound of the words.” If you have a moment, take time during this wonderful period of anticipation between Ascension and Pentecost to learn and chant these two works I mentioned and enjoy the “discovery process!”